National Defence committee  We can do it in thousands of different respects. This is a time for like-minded countries to pull together. You can go from everywhere, from the United Nations down to bilateral co-operation. You can integrate military capabilities to build a system rooted in the west that stands for the rule of law internationally, and for peace and co-operation, partly because that makes us stronger as a collectivity and partly because it sends a signal.

National Defence committee  I think we make it very clear to both China and India that picking sides on the Ukraine war is not in their long-term interests. Through that, China's giving the kind of support that draws Russia into its orbit is not in China's long-term interest, given the centrality of the west-China relationship in the future of our world.

National Defence committee  The most obvious thing is something that we are doing in terms of standing with our NATO allies against Russia in Ukraine. NATO is much stronger than it was before February 24, and that's a really good thing. Canada is there. We need to continue that stance as a central pillar in the NATO alliance.

National Defence committee  I have two initial points. I'm proud to be on the Russian sanctions list also.

National Defence committee  I think I was the first Canadian academic to be so honoured. It probably has something to do with calling Vladimir Putin a war criminal in The Globe and Mail. I carry no brief for Russia. It is a threat to Canada, and that includes in the Arctic. With respect to nuclear missiles, including cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles, we do need that over-the-horizon radar.

National Defence committee  I think I'll take this first because, of the two witnesses, I'm the international lawyer, although Professor Lackenbauer knows a heck of a lot about international law. Russia has the same position concerning the legal status of its Arctic straits as Canada has with respect to the legal status of our Northwest Passage.

National Defence committee  The committee probably knows this: The White House released a U.S. Arctic strategy in the last couple of weeks. I highly commend it. It's not in its entirety appropriate for Canada, but I would say that much of its substance can guide us and that a partnership is necessary with the United States on many of these issues.

National Defence committee  I'll respond in English because it's my better language. China and Russia are not friends. They are allies of convenience. At the moment, China is purchasing vast amounts of Russian resources at bargain basement prices and then selling them onward for enormous profits. It's selling oil and gas to the European Union at very significant profit for China, so it's taking advantage of the situation.

National Defence committee  What do we need in terms of surveillance? We have very good space-based surveillance right now with the RADARSAT Constellation, three satellites launched in 2019. They have a seven-year lifespan, and the procurement for the replacement needs to be set in motion now. Those are our eyes in the sky in the Arctic.

National Defence committee  I can answer very—

National Defence committee  Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Good afternoon everyone. I am pleased to be with you today. I want to begin by thanking the clerk of this committee for having noticed two days ago that I was going to be in Ottawa today and therefore available to testify in person. It makes all the difference to see you face to face.